Vitamin D Levels In Pregnancy May Not Make A Large Difference

WASHINGTON D.C. (WUSA9) -- New evidence from a study published in The Lancetfinds that expecting mothers who take more vitamin D during pregnancy are not enhancing their child's bone health.

Vitamin D does help keep bones and teeth healthy by regulating the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body. It has been thought that if pregnant women did not consume enough vitamin D, their children would not have correct bone formation.

Nearly 4000 pairs of mothers and their children were involved in the "Children of the 90s study," at the University of Bristol. This study is more than ten times larger than previous studies.

Women were monitored during all three trimesters of their pregnancy. Their children's bone mineral content (BMC) was assessed at age 9 and this data was recorded.

The results found were clear: no significant association between a mother's intake of vitamin D and their child's bone health. These findings are contradictory to UK health guidelines.

Professor Debbie Lawlor of the University of Bristol led the study and when speaking on Lancet TV says, "Suggesting to pregnant women that their child's future bone health depends on their pregnancy vitamin D status...I think our study challenged that suggestion."

Since results in other smaller studies have been unclear, the evidence found in this study can clarify what supplements pregnant women should be taking.